1974 - Part 1

A crackling voice from the BBC World Service is playing in a ‘kafenion’ (coffee shop) in North London. Men are whispering to each other. Others stop mumbling and look horrified as they hear the news. Sounds of cups being placed on table tops.

Radio NewscasterSources have confirmed that as yet the whereabouts of the deposed President of the Republic of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios are unknown. The government of Mr Ecevit in Ankara has reiterated that if necessary it may intervene to protect the Turkish Cypriot minority. Things are very tense on this small and young Republic.

We are now receiving information that the air, land and sea forces of Turkey have been deployed in Cyprus and they have made sweeping gains in the north of the island. Greek Cypriot villagers are reportedly fleeing in whatever way they can.

SceneMehmet walks into the kafenion.

The coffee shop goes quiet as the proprietor (Mihalis) comes from behind the counter holding several coffees.

At the same time, Pambos enters the kafenion with a transistor radio to his ear, tears rolling down his face.

MihalisMehmet, I cannot serve you today. You should go to your own coffee shop.

[Mehmet, embarrassed turns to leave.]

PambosMihalis, what are you doing? Of all days, this is the day to serve Mehmet.

MihalisI'm sorry Mr Pambos but if I do I will lose all my other customers. I can't. You are listening to what the Turks are doing.

[others mumble their agreement with Mahalis.]

PambosMehmet is not Turkish. He is Cypriot!

And what about what the Greek junta did to our own President? Dark days are coming for all of us if we are not careful, Mihalis.

MihalisI’m sorry Mr Pambos but I can’t. One of those villages the radio is talking about is my wife’s.